Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can last for months or even for years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will guide you to select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.